Red Brass is a high-quality copper–zinc alloy recognized for its reddish-gold color, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior casting and machining properties. The most common grade is 85-5-5-5 Red Brass, containing approximately 85% copper with additions of tin, lead, and zinc.
Due to its high copper content and tin addition, red brass offers outstanding resistance to dezincification, making it a preferred material for plumbing, valves, pumps, and marine service where reliability is critical.
Typical Chemical Composition
85-5-5-5 Red Brass (C83600 – Casting Grade)
| Element | Typical % | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 83 – 87 | Corrosion resistance, ductility |
| Tin (Sn) | 4 – 6 | Strength, dezincification resistance |
| Zinc (Zn) | 4 – 6 | Fluidity, strength |
| Lead (Pb) | 4 – 6 | Machinability |
| Others (Fe, Ni) | Trace | Grain refinement |
Wrought Red Brass (C23000)
| Element | Typical % |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | ~85 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ~15 |
| Lead (Pb) | Very low / trace |
Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.7 – 8.9 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 880 – 1020 °C |
| Electrical Conductivity | 15 – 22% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | 90 – 110 W/m·K |
| Thermal Expansion | ~19 µm/m·°C |
| Magnetic Property | Non-magnetic |
| Color | Reddish-gold / copper-red |
Mechanical Properties
Cast Red Brass (C83600)
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 200 – 310 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 90 – 140 MPa |
| Elongation | 10 – 20% |
| Hardness | 65 – 90 HB |
| Elastic Modulus | ~100 GPa |
Wrought Red Brass (C23000)
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 300 – 450 MPa |
| Elongation | 30 – 50% |
| Hardness | 80 – 120 HV |
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
✔ Predominantly alpha (α) phase microstructure
✔ Tin strengthens copper matrix
✔ Lead exists as discrete globules in cast grades
✔ Limited work hardening in wrought grades
✔ Not heat-treat hardenable – strength is composition controlled
Corrosion Metallurgy:
Excellent resistance to potable water, steam, and marine atmospheres.
Highly resistant to dezincification, making red brass ideal
for long-term water service.
Key Characteristics
✔ Superior corrosion resistance
✔ Excellent castability
✔ Very good machinability (lead-bearing grades)
✔ Stable in hot water and steam
✔ Attractive reddish appearance
✔ Non-sparking
✔ Good pressure-retention properties
Available Forms
Castings and valve bodies
Plumbing fittings and components
Pump housings
Rods and bars (limited)
Plates (special order)
Applications
Plumbing valves, faucets, and fittings
Water meters and pressure components
Marine pumps, strainers, and seawater fittings
Steam fittings and heat exchanger parts
Architectural hardware and ornamental castings
Advantages
✔ Outstanding corrosion resistance
✔ Long service life in water systems
✔ Excellent machinability
✔ Stable mechanical properties
✔ Cost-effective compared to bronze
✔ Widely accepted by plumbing codes
✔ Fully recyclable
Why Choose Red Brass?
Choose Red Brass when your application demands maximum corrosion resistance, potable water or steam service, pressure-bearing cast components, low dezincification risk, and excellent machinability.
Engineering Insight:
Red brass is often selected over yellow brass
because dezincification failure is unacceptable in water systems.
It delivers bronze-like reliability at a lower cost.
Quick Comparison
| Alloy | Strength | Corrosion Resistance | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Brass | Medium | Moderate | General hardware |
| Cartridge Brass | Medium | Good | Formed parts |
| Red Brass | Lower | Excellent | Plumbing & marine |
| Bronze | High | Excellent | Heavy marine |